Space for new Mama to be

My hatching should start this weekend I have prepared a puppy pen with pine shavings inside and hay around the outside hoping the chicks won't be able to get out The top is not covered so my hen can hop in and out Do you think my 2 other hens will try to get in the pen Should I put something on the top and do you think the hay around the outside will keep the chicks in I am so excited about this She is sitting on 14 eggs

Quote:Depends on the breed and the size of the holes. Some of my chicks can get through 1" holes and they aren`t bantams. Hardware cloth is much better. If you`re gonna contain the chicks, ya gotta contain mamma also. Just asking for trouble if she can`t figure out how to get to them.......Pop